kimosobbe

Well if you bring more Tanks and blouses that match the shoes you will have more outfits. Less Jeans... Polishing the toes with open toe sandels will set any outfit off right. With the name Mcqueeney Im sure your a Diva!!!! (smile)

placeu2

Gee...this whole thing has to go on some email that is sent round and round with a heading like:

The difference between men and women or

What men don't understand or ????

PS: I know it says Ladies, but I just had to read it. Similar to discretely reading the Cosmo cover while in the checkout line ;-)

mcqueeney449

LOL kimosobbe so NOT a Diva! I'm new to this whole caring about shoes thing actually. My "tomboy phase" (as my Mom called it) lasted well into my 30s! Its only the last few years (I'm 36 now) I've had anything but sneakers & tevas on my feet ... had one pair of low heeled black pumps that were my "dress shoes" for years. But my inner shoe monster has been unleashed now and wow can she shop!

I tried on some Clark's at Nordstroms and they seem VERY comfortable. Didn't have exactly the style I wanted so I ordered a pair from Zappos.

Tiff

Placeu2, you are welcome here (lol). That is why in the body of my post I typed "gal or guy" 'cause I just knew some of the fellas would sneak in and read. (For humor sake alone, if not for anything else) Indeed, we are unique creatures, but do love assist each other with helpful tips when asked! Happy travels, T.

sundowner

To add to Tiff's packing plan - leave some of clothes in cleaner bags and you'll have even fewer wrinkles. Works great.

Solo

Some of the local Borders Book Stores in California are offering a demonstration on packing. I think it's taught by an author who wrote a book on it. It's scheduled for later this month. You might see if something similiar is offered in your area. It could be informative.

here_today_gone2Maui

I prefer to pack toiletries only and buy all new clothes and shoes as I travel. Unfortunately, this plan has never gotten past my husband.

Cali

I'll have to try that one on my husband too "here today gone 2 maui" - I love it. Don't think he will be crazy about it either. DARN!!

razzledazzle

Too funny htg2Maui! I would try that with Mr. R5 but I so hate to shop! (Must I be missing a gene, ladies?)
Tiff, some questions: what size suitcase are you packing in-and are the hangers regular size? plastic or metal
(security concerns?)I def want to try your method as there are never enough hangers in hotels!
I love my Clark's canvas mules(I wear
a cut off footie/hose over my toes for comfort)and then I have a pair of black
slides for a little dressier. (Great excuse for a pedicure)
For the plane I wear Merrels (sp?)slip on's.
They don't look so bad with jean capris'
(or I just don't care if they do!Haha!)
R5

GandE

Blister prevention tip - put a piece of moleskin on any pressure point where you may get a blister. Prevents the blister from forming. Saved my feet on many a trip!

theladyjess

When I went to Texas last summer I took 4 pairs of shoes-1 pair of cowboy boots (a must in Texas), 1 pair of tennis shoes, and 2 pairs of Birkenstocks. I wore my Birks every day. I only wore my tennis shoes once, and I wore my boots to the nightclubs.

My advice, take a good pair (or two) of sandals. You'll wear them with everything-dresses, capris, shorts, skirts. Birkenstock and Clarks make really cute comfortable sandals.

arc

Definitely use dry cleaner bags in between layers of packed clothes. I have packed everything this way (up to black tie affair wear!), travelled many times to Europe, and everything comes out beautifully. A lot of times I just leave the hangers on too. Just take them out of the suitcase and hang right in the closet!

mcqueeney449

Ok I got my Clark's in from Zappos and WOW!!! Can't believe how comfortable these things are! Didn't want to take them off but the weather in CT isn't really sandal weather just yet.

I will defintely try some of the great packing trips posted here as well. Thanks again everyone!

Rosemary1

Good thread Mcqueeney! Lots of helpful information I will try myself.

An experience as a small child traveling with parents to DisneyLand comes to mind. I think I was about 7 years old but this memory has affected the way I pack today as an adult. We drove from Nebraska and I remember we stopped in Las Vegas and saw a show, I think it was Don Rickels, but that's not what my memory is about. My mom forgot to pack my "Mary Janes" and I remember being in this adorable little dress with these stupid clunky tennis shoes on.

I truly think I was affected for life...I can't believe a 7 year old can actually remember being "embarrased" but I really was, perhaps my mom made a bigger deal of it than she should have, or maybe I was vain early on, who knew.

My point, you're probably wondering is to this day I continue to way overpack shoes! Therapy? Perhaps I'll consider it.. I have made the mistake too often of packing "new" shoes too and have nearly ruined my feet with blisters.

Hope anyone can relate to this "sole-bearing" memory, and take heed Mcqueeney, pack light with just a couple, okay a few COMFY shoes!!!

Have a wonderful trip!! I'm going to save this post for my next "packing" adventure!

sunbabe

I love Clarks, too! Also, try Born. Very comfortable and good support--a shoe you can wear for hours with great success. I'm going to try the "one pile" packing method that was mentioned. I put my lingerie in zip lock bags, pushing as much air out as possible. I seem to get more in my suitcase when I do that!

Jayne1973

Has anyone seen those "space bags" for packing in suitcases? You just roll the air our of them and flatten the items like you do with the vacuum cleaner hose on blankets, etc. My daughter is going overseas and needed to pack a big puffy coat and heard about them. I was amazed how much we were able to flatten that coat down so that it fit into her suitcase. They are reusable, too. Just thought someone could use one more packing tip.

tribecagirl

The capri and Clark sandals work great! Traveled 3 weeks in Spain last summer with 2 pairs of sandals and had no problems!